To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Schola Cantorum Jubilate, a Marian Music Celebration was held at the Basilica of Marija Bambina in Xagħra. This was organised by the Schola Cantorum Jubilate and in collaboration with the Archpriest and Most Reverend Chapter of the Basilica. The Basilica of Xagħra is celebrating the 2025th anniversary of the birth of Our Lady. The concert started at 7.30pm with a church packed with music lovers and people who followed Schola Cantorum Jubilate through these ten years. In fact, the concert was dedicated to all these people who believed in Schola Cantorum Jubilate as from the very beginning. The compere of the evening was Tonio Bonello. The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi were in attendance. The programme, under the direction of Marouska Attard, started with three pieces a cappella: 'Ave Maris Stella' (Palestrina), 'Alma Redemptoris Mater' (arr. Frisina) and 'Ave Maria' (Victoria).
Mgr. Renzo Cilia, who was among the audience, directed the choir during Bartolucci's 'Ave Maria' which includes a soprano part which was interpreted by Marouska Attard. Mgr. Cilia was a student, collaborator and actually the right hand of Mro. Bartolucci. He used to direct the Pueri Cantores of the Cappella Sistina and actually is a lecturer at the Accademia Pontificia di Musica Sacra and director of two choirs - the choir of Palestrina and of the Ex-Pueri Cantores - Harmoniae Vocis . Following this moving 'Ave Maria', choir leader Stefan Attard made his speech for the occasion. He thanked all those who supported the Schola Cantorum Jubilate either morally or financially. Then he presented a feature which included the highlights of the Schola Cantorum. This presented their mission as singers and featured also their experience which showed the great bond which exists among its members. The text was written by Rev. Fr. Richard Farrugia, read by Frank Bajada and the video editing was done by George Scicluna of CVC. Right after the feature, Philip Attard on the saxophone and Stephen Attard on the organ interpreted Gounod's 'Ave Maria'. Then it was Marouska Attard's turn to interpret the 'Sliema' by Paul Portelli. She was accompanied by Jacob Portelli on the harp and Alex Abela on the violin. 'Reflections on Ave Maria' by Paul Portelli in three movements was premiered during this soiree. The Jubilate Ensemble composed of Stefan Cassar (violin 1), Alex Abela (violin 2), Joseph Mallia (viola), Frank Camilleri (cello), Laura Cioffi (flute) and Jacob Portelli (harp) studied hard to interpret Portelli's composition. It is really meditative and with a modern touch which took one's mind far away in a small room in Nazareth. Just after this brand new piece, Mgr. Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest made a short speech for the occasion, and then the choir continued with Pachelbel's 'Magnificat' and 'Tfajla Helwa tal-Vitorja' (Portelli), both works accompanied by the Jubilate Ensemble. After the concert, a reception was held and the choristers had the opportunity to meet their friends and share the memories filled with emotions of a ten year experience.
